Liam, 19, was in the foyer of the Manchester Arena with his girlfriend Chloe Rutherford, 17 when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated explosives.

The South Shields teenage sweethearts had planned to spend the rest of their lives together before they were tragically killed.

And now friends and family have said they are struggling to come to terms with their loss.

Jack Errington, 19, also from South Shields met Liam when was just 11-years-old when they both started at St Wilfred’s College.

“He was the smart one, I always copied his answers in class,” Jack said.

Liam Curry (centre in white shirt) with school friends at St Wilfred's College

“He was a genuine nice lad, I don’t think anyone would have a bad word to say about him.

“It’s just horrible, I still can’t believe it’s real. He was a joker, the prankster of the group, it’s so sad to think he is not going to be there to do that.”

The pals hung around with a large group of mates from Marsden Cricket Club and former St Wilfred’s College students.

Brendan Tapping, headteacher of St Wilfrid’s, described Liam as a “fine young man”

He said: “He was a model student and a fine young man, remembered with great affection by all those who taught him.”

Chris Mann, who is head coach at Marsden Cricket Club, which Liam joined when he was just six-years-old echoed his former head teacher’s sentiment and said he possessed all the qualities you would want to see in a young man.

“It’s devastating for everyone involved, it has hit the cricket family here very hard.

“Everyone will remember him fondly he was such an easy going lad.”

Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19, from South Shields who have been missing since the terror attack in Manchester (Image: Facebook)

Liam’s death comes as a double blow for the family after his dad’s death earlier this year. Andrew, who also was involved with the cricket club, died of lymphoma in March.

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“It’s not fair, they have been through more than enough already and they are such a lovely family,” Chris said.

Liam fundraised during his dad’s illness and completed a 260 mile sponsored cycle ride from Calais to Paris and a Great North Run to help raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation .

A spokesperson for the charity said: “No words can adequately convey feelings at a time like this. Our thoughts are with Liam’s loved ones and all the victims’ families and friends.”

Liam met Chloe through the cricket club which her brother was also a member of.

Chris said: “I’ve never seen a couple like them at such a young age before. They were incredibly well suited, I’ve never come across a couple so strong at that age, they never left each others side, they were made for each other.”

Callum Amess, Jack Errington, Jake Johns and Liam Curry

Jack also said the lovebirds were the perfect couple.

“He just loved her so much. They had the best time together, he worshipped the ground she walked on, they were suited down to the ground to each other.”